NUL STUDENTS TO MARCH AGAINST NMDS ON THURSDAY

 
Students of the National University of Lesotho (NUL) will march from IEMS to Maseru Central Park in a protest against the department of the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) on Thursday. The NUL Student Representative Council's Spokesperson, Mr. Afrika Makakane  disclosed on Wednesday. Makakane explained that students would also present their petition to the Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Timothy Thahane and Minister of Education, Mr. Lesao Lehohla.

He attributed their concerns to NMDS' failure to provide food allowances for the months of August and September to another part of the students, who did not receive their shares when NMDS released the allowances last month. "We also want the NMDS to give us part of our book allowances and  food allowances for the month of October." He emphasised.

 Makakane further explained that they also want the Minister of Finance to reconsider the issue of the bridging students, who were sent back home because the government issued a directive which  stopped sponsorship  some disciplines. "We understand that the government should make policies for the development of our country, but the implementation of this particular policy was just too abrupt." He said.

The students also want the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education to mediate between them and the NMDS which seems to be taking their concerns in a very light way. "It is just too bad for us to study under these unbearable circumstances where students have nothing to eat and books to use for their studies." Makakane said. This is will be the second protest by NUL students since the beginning of the academic year in August 2003.

8 October 2003